The alternative finance member network Bartercard is helping Australian flood victims by allowing business owners to donate without using cash.

Bartercard Australia managing director Brian Hall said "A lot of business owners in the current economy may struggle to give cash donations to the Queensland and Victorian flood relief effort. But they have goods and services that could be donated in the form of gift vouchers instead.

"Bartercard through its trade exchange system can convert these donated gift vouchers into other goods and services the flood victims actually need.”

For instance a bakery in Sydney can donate 50 x $100 ($5,000) bakery gift vouchers towards the flood cause. Bartercard onsells these bakery gift vouchers through its member business network in Sydney at the normal selling price of $100 per voucher. Bartercard then donates the proceeds (all $5,000) through a registered charity, Aussie Helpers. The charity can then acquire goods and or services flood victims can use.

“All business owners are welcome to donate via gift vouchers to the relief fund managed by Aussie Helpers,” said Hall.

Bartercard has a dedicated website landing page called bartercard.com.au/flood-relief where business owners can find out how to donate to the relief pool. Business owners wanting to pledge a donation simply complete the online form with details of what they would like to donate in the form of gift vouchers.

Aussie Helpers will distribute the funds directly to flood affected businesses and individuals, and will also purchase items such as linen, clothing, furniture, and accommodation.